Isn't this time of year simply the best? Cold, sloppy and wet,
less and less daylight, dead leaves everywhere, can't play golf after work,
etc. Oops, wait…those are the reasons you should live in Sarasota, Florida! I
have lived in Sarasota all my life and have seen many winters come and
go, and yes, we do celebrate the holidays just like our northern friends.
Almost.
Many from the North think Floridians miss out on all the fun
of the holidays. A lack of snow in our
forecast here in Sarasota doesn’t mean we won’t be able to have a “white holiday”. We enjoy the white sands of
our wonderful beaches in December as easily as we do in June. Frosty the
Snowman will not come to life in any Florida yard. We take great pride in
lighting our palm trees and setting up fiber optic sleighs pulled by holiday
hat clad alligators and flamingos. (It’s not tacky at all). Our homes may not have stockings
hung by the chimney, although wet bathing suits and towels are often strung across
the lanai with great care.
Even if you are living in a cave, you couldn't miss the
radiant glow of all the Sarasota neighborhoods shimmering with bright lights around town…and on
boats! Pine trees are trucked in from up north and sold in red and white tents
along the roads. The Salvation Army volunteers ring bells and take donations.
Shoppers hustle through the malls and stores spending more than necessary. But,
these things are all done while we are wearing shorts and flip flops. Just another day in Paradise!
Some folks turn the air conditioning down as far as it will
go, (I have been known to do that at my wife’s request) to get the house cool
enough to light a fire in the fireplace. (The local grocery stores carry
firewood.) Others go all out with lights and decorations all around the house,
the same as up north. Cookies are baked, hams and turkeys are roasted, and
families manage to connect, even if it is across the phone and internet lines. The holidays are still special no matter where you are. So, to all those
contemplating joining us in the Sunshine State, come on down and buy a home in
Sarasota…you will not regret your move. You will soon make new friends, start
new traditions and enjoy the Holidays in a new way. The holidays are the holidays no matter what part of the country you happen to be in, but if you have yet to experience a uniquely Florida holiday, I encourage you to come and visit. Grab your sandals and come on down. And I am confident that you will fall in love with Sarasota and want to buy a house! And when you do, I'm your Hometown Sarasota Realtor!
This holiday season, I am especially grateful for all my
clients and friends! Thank you for your trust, business, referrals and
friendship. Thank you for letting me
help you with these life transitions. I
wish you happiness and peace during this holiday season and in the year ahead.
